Hyderabad, India

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) held their World Congress for this year at Hyderabad, India and I was fortunately chosen to present my paper as a poster presentation during the congress.

I went to India, as a first-timer, last March 26 to 30, 2014. I had my flight going to Hyderabad via Thai Airways International flight TG 621 (Manila to Bangkok) and Thai Smile Airways flight TG 2925 (Bangkok to Hyderabad).

Touchdown in Hyderabad was around 12am, and contrary to popular belief, I was surprised to see a very modern and clean Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). The facilities were new, and people were very polite.

Taxi was not a problem as it was so easy to get a cab once you step outside the airport. The RGIA is located at Shamshabad, not quite near the central Hyderabad City. The new city, where my accommodation is situated at, is in the area of Hitec City. And to get to Hitec City, an approximately 1 hour ride from the airport via the Nehru Outer Ring Road was taken.

I arrived at Westin Hyderabad Mindspace at around 1am, but I was expected to check-in by 6am. Fortunately, the hotel lobby was cozy and more than enough for me to wait until I get checked-in.

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace at daylight

I was very comfortable with my room. It’s trademark, Heavenly Bed, was superb. I could sleep on it for hours.

The Heavenly ® Bed and lotus headboard on a Taipei carpetDaily breakfast buffet at Seasonal Tastes, Westin Hyderabad’s answer to daily caloric needs featuring a wide variety of Indian cuisine and an array of other worldwide treats.A quick dip at the pool after a sauna session the Heavenly ® Spa is a must here at Westin.Typical day at Hitec City, Hyderabad, just outside the hotel

Gala Dinner during the congress was held on the 2nd night at Chow Mohalla Palace. It is a very large heritage complex located in the very heart of the Old City of Hyderabad. It was built by the Nizams, who by that time in around 1800s were one of the richest families in the world.

Gardens and walkways, are just some of the sights to behold after entering the gates of the palace.The Chow Mohalla PalaceInside the palace: grand chandeliers and columns, only the rich can afford to build.

Food is one of the very things that define Hyderabad. The Qulfi is a very popular frozen dessert in Hyderabad, India. It comes in different flavors, such as rose, mango, saffron and pistacchio. What makes the Qulfi distinct is that it is made rock-hard in small calliopes, so that it melts longer than the usual ice cream.

The Qulfi

Another food Hyderabad is known for is the Biryani. Whether you eat the Chicken Biryani or the Vegetable Biryani, it is one that the palate is satiated. Paradise Hotel sells the most famous Hyderabadi Biryani.